China's tobacco sales regulators have simplified the license procedure for selling foreign tobacco products.  

Tobacco firms previously had to secure separate licenses, one for tobacco monopoly retail, and another for special tobacco monopoly retail before being allowed to sell foreign cigarettes. Companies will now have to secure only one license, in line with World Trade Organization rules.

Director-General of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, Jiang Chengkang, says China will continue to promote foreign trade and technical cooperation in tobacco goods. He reveals the government will crack down harder on tobacco fraud and smuggling.

(CRI January 26, 2004)